The requirement that the plan be assessed against the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act was one of the determinations following Federal Court action last year.

The government had appealed a decision made in March 2016 that reopening the tracks in the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area could negatively impact indigenous heritage values and artefacts in the area.

The state government in 2014 wanted to reopen tracks closed by the previous government to prevent Aboriginal sites being damaged.

The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre sought an injunction on the plan shortly after.

Braddon Liberal MHA Adam Brooks said the referral to the federal government was to see three tracks – 501, 503, and 601 – reopened “in a responsible way”

Braddon Liberal MHA Joan Rylah said the government had attempted to strike a balance in the plan between access to tracks for recreational use and protection of Aboriginal heritage.

“This included strict rules around driver behaviour, access only in the months outside winter, and the requirement for special permits to use particular tracks,” she said.

“Now that the referral has been made I will be strongly advocating for the reinstatement of the Arthur Pieman Management Committee, to allow the community a stronger voice on this issue and also the overall management of the area after the Commonwealth decision,” Mrs Rylah said.

She said licensed access was likely to reduce unauthorised access and vandalism.